A forecast of strong, gusting, winds may have been the reason for a lack of visiting boats for this year’s F15 Team Racing, but there was a strong club contingent making nine boats in total. The winds were not as strong as forecast so there was some good sailing conditions, which proved challenging at times as most boats had varying results. The exceptions being AJ and Jack Hardie who broached in the first race, and spent the rest of the race bailing out (perhaps he needs to spend the evening puffing on those buoyancy bags?!). No broaches in the following races, but their position did not improve over the rest of the day. At the other end of the fleet, Neil Platt and Big E bagged three bullets, though visitor Cammy Dunn and Steve Lee put up a good fight, leading most of the final race of the day.
Steve took the helm of Mike’s boat, with Kayla crewing, and after a poor first race moved forward through the fleet in subsequent races, and they are on equal points with, but just ahead of, Ian and Lezli-Ann.
Conversely, Simon and Jon’s positions slipped through the course of the day, but they lie 2nd overnight on equal points with John Reekie and Rory.
In club racing it was the start of the October series; Robbie D sailed with Banter in the 400 and led both races, but it was new member David Hazleden in his Solo that won both races on personal handicap. After her success last week, Pam was in a strong position in the second race, but unfortunately capsized at the final gybe mark and retired.
Sunday’s first race wasvery light and shifty, with numerous position changes. Ian Campbell’s mainsail fell down, forcing retirement, meanwhile Sally jambed her finger between spinnaker pole and mast, forcing retirement also. When Simon dropped from 1st to next to last, he retired as well!
There was a better wind for second race no incidents. The Scottish Invaders were clear winners of the Team Trophy which Ian Preston had left at home. Neil Platt, last year’s recipient, awarded the Grotty Potty to Simon for a number of incidents that would take too long to mention. There was a very informal prizegiving held in the bar whilst the commodore was eating his Sticky Toffee Pudding….